STA Engineer

Job Title

STA Engineer

Role Summary

The STA (Static Timing Analysis) Engineer will own timing analysis, constraints, and physical-implementation timing closure for ASIC/SoC blocks. The role supports timing convergence across multiple corners and collaborates with physical implementation, RTL, and verification teams to meet performance, power, and area (PPA) targets.

Experience Level

Mid-level-typically expects around 2+ years of relevant STA and physical implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities focus on timing analysis, fixing critical paths, and preparing implementation ECOs to achieve timing closure while optimizing power and PPA.

• Perform static timing analysis across multiple corners and modes.
• Develop and maintain timing constraints and SDC files.
• Diagnose and fix extreme critical timing bottlenecks.
• Create complex ECOs (Timing and Physical) for timing convergence using tools such as Tweaker, Tempus, and physical PT ECOs.
• Collaborate with physical design, RTL, and verification teams to drive closure and implement fixes.
• Apply power-minimization techniques while preserving timing and performance goals.
• Automate flows and analyses using scripting (Perl, TCL) and CAD tool flows.
• Document analysis results, ECOs, and sign-off readiness criteria.

Requirements

Must-have skills and preferred additions relevant to STA and physical implementation.

• Must-have: 2+ years of hands-on experience in static timing analysis and physical implementation-related timing work.
• Must-have: Practical experience with industry STA and implementation tools (PrimeTime/Tempus/Genus/Innovus/ICC or equivalent).
• Must-have: Proven ability to identify and fix critical timing paths and prepare ECOs for timing convergence.
• Must-have: Scripting and automation skills in Perl and TCL.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with deep-submicron process nodes and advanced PPA optimization techniques.
• Nice-to-have: Knowledge of high-performance and low-power implementation methodologies and techniques for minimizing power.
• Nice-to-have: Demonstrated drive to push PPA to aggressive targets.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field is listed as a minimum qualification.

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.